Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle vs Garden Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle Garden Springtail
Scientific Name Cercyon laminatus Bourletiella hortensis
Order Coleoptera Collembola
Family Hydrophilidae Bourletiellidae
Size 2-3 mm 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fungus Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, North America (introduced) Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle

A tiny terrestrial hydrophilid often found in compost and decaying plant material. Despite belonging to a water beetle family, it is entirely land-dwelling.

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Did You Know?

It has spread globally through the movement of compost and agricultural products.

Garden Springtail

A globular springtail commonly found in gardens and agricultural fields. It has a distinctive dark body with yellow markings.

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Did You Know?

It can occasionally damage seedlings by feeding on young plant tissue.